My Property Review Snapshot by My Weekly Preview

DEC 2008/JAN 2009

SPECIAL REPORT

SUNSHINE COAST PROPERTY

SNAPSHOT A FOCUSED LOOK AT 2008 WHILE ZOOMING IN ON WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2009 MPR_SNAPSHOT_p01.indd 1

8/12/2008 5:06:47 PM

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10/12/2008 3:21:29 PM

snapshot

An indepth look at the state of the local market

12 Bob Abbot Our mayor praises property developers on the Coast

14 HIA Good news as the latest quarterly figures are revealed

16 Michael Davoren Welcome to My Property Review’s special edition liftout, Snapshot. We have scoured the Sunshine Coast and talked to major developers, agents and experts to provide you with a wrap-up of the year that was, and all that we can expect from the property market in 2009. Take a close look at the developments that are earmarked for our beautiful region and get some expert advice on the current state of the local property market, and more importantly, what we can expect in the new year. From where I am sitting, it appears that 2009 is the year to shine for the Sunshine Coast property market. Watch this space.

Harrison JadeEditor

18 Michael Hefferan Uni Professor Mike Hefferan talks market buoyancy

25 Michael Matusik Defying the doom and gloom of other markets

26 Stockland

pelican waters

Maroochydore’s live, work and play CBD takes off

34 Pelican Waters What’s to come for Caloundra’s new suburb

38 Peregian Springs The Kingsmill development is launched

Managing Editor/Writer Dorothy Drane

40 Retirement

Sub Editor Jemma Pearson

Graphic Designer Stephanie Kesper

The Sunshine Coast defies the downward trend

33 Emporio

Editor Jade Harrison

Production Co-ordinator Kara Taylor

17 John O’Hagen

The latest projects lined up for 2009

Publishers Anarr Higgins Darryl Olson Michael Kramer Noel Olson

Art Director Noel Harris

The former REIQ president’s insight into the market

cover story

10 Cover Story

The latest and greatest for the over 55s Please dispose of My Property Review responsibly, by putting it in the recycling bin after use.

38 kingsmill

Editorial Assistant Jarna Baudinette My Property Review is locally owned and published by Sunshine Coast Alliance Publishing Ltd. ABN 13 124 476 142 Distribution Enquiries: 1300 367 352 p: (07) 5443 8866 PO Box 6362, Maroochydore BC Qld 4558 Editorial: editorial@mypropertyreview.com.au Sales: sales@mypropertyreview.com.au Production: production@mypropertyreview.com.au

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My Property Review – Snapshot Edition | Dec 08/Jan 09 9

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15/12/2008 2:35:17 PM

snapshot

Bouncing back by Dorothy Drane

The economic recovery is coming, and on the Sunshine Coast, it is coming quicker than in other parts of the country, as baby boomers and new-home buyers keen to take advantage of our location are fuelling an increase in local sales.

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population that keeps growing, with a bit of help from lower interest rates and various government incentives, has buoyed the Sunshine Coast property market, proving yet again that location wins every time. We can’t deny that there has been a market downturn – as one expert says, it would be defying gravity to stay at peak levels forever – but the local property market has weathered the storm and emerged almost unscathed. The question is, where will the real estate cycle go from here? The good news is that those in the know, those who have worked through the boom and bust cycle for more than two decades, are starting to think that the ebb this time around may again be short-lived. Certainly the 2007 peak came as something of a raised finger to doomsayers, who thought it was all over after the 2003 boom. The long dry of the 1990s, when the market chugged along nicely but didn’t shoot to great heights, not enough to challenge the excesses of the late ’80s, left a little nervousness in some quarters. Sure, the international financial crisis hasn’t helped in 2008, but overall Australia has been spared the horrors of the American mortgage crisis, the disaster of the Iceland bank and the pain felt by many of the ‘big boys’. Not all is lost with the sharemarket plunge and damaged super packages, the message being if you can afford to hang on a bit longer, there’s a good chance all will be well. Australia has been a tad more cautious and this has paid off. There has not been the offer of cheap mortgages for barely vetted borrowers and false leg-ups to the property market as in other parts of the world. There’s no such thing as a free ride and any promise of quick returns and an easy buck has been treated with prudence, thus limiting the major damage that has been experienced internationally. It easily follows and is only common sense that any drop in the sharemarket will affect high-end sales. It doesn’t take a financial whiz to see that if those with the big bucks who gamble on shares have lost their assets on paper, they are going to wait it out until the fat figures are restored. The big houses will just have to sit on the market a bit longer, so the prestige properties on the fourth, fifth and sixth rungs of the real estate food chain are going to have to wait it out as well. On the other hand, government incentives for first-time buyers announced this year have kept the so-called affordable end of the market – properties to a maximum of $500,000 – afloat. So where does the Sunshine Coast fit in this national picture? Very comfortably, thank you very much. The Sunshine Coast has one major advantage over regions in other parts of the nation – its location. The times might be tighter, but if Mr and Mrs Citizen make a lifestyle decision, they will come, provided there is an opportunity to buy at the right price and get a job to pay off the mortgage. And come they have. Residential estates are filling so fast that even the State Government has acknowledged the demand by allowing early release of land to accommodate the burgeoning population. That’s one assured market for 2009: new residential land, and house and land packages for incoming residents, east and west of the highway. Then there are the first-home buyers who, having given it a few months to be sure that interest rates are heading down rather than up and that property prices aren’t going to plummet as scuttlebutt and some forecasters would have it, are ready to put their money and their government grants into a new home. Some will choose to take the $14,000 and go for a renovator in the more affordable range. That’s another assured market for 2009: new homes, residential allotments and established homes for renovation in both coastal and hinterland areas. Next there are the early baby boomers, many now in their early 60s, looking for a pleasant place to retire, that

is if they can get the kids to move out of the family home. Some will head for the over-60s and retirement villages that have been established in prime seaside locations, others will be looking to downsize from the big family home and garden to a penthouse or an apartment the size of a house, right beside the sea. That’s another assured market for 2009: beachfront apartments and retirement properties for the downsizing baby boomers looking for a new lifestyle. There are also the tree-changers, those moving from the west or the south, who want to settle closer to the coast but don’t want to lose

the privacy and feeling of having a bit of land around them. Coming off large properties, they can afford a smaller green acreage and are not necessarily tied to the stockmarket. That’s another assured market for 2009: hinterland acreage for these tree-changers. The luxury market may slow until the sharemarket picks up, but overall the message for 2009 is that good things come to vendors who wait. Buyers can’t afford to wait, though, as things aren’t going to get much sweeter than the current market. And when you are waiting in such a perfect part of the world, it can’t be all bad.

Sunshine Coast Units & Townhouses

Median Sale

Number of Sales

400000

8000

7000

6000

300000

5000

4000

200000

3000

2000

100000

1000

0 2001

2002

2003

"Preliminary figures Source: REIQ

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008"

12 mths to 30 September

Sunshine Coast Houses

Median Sale

Number of Sales

500000

10000 9000

400000

8000 7000

300000

6000 5000

200000

4000 3000

100000

2000 1000

0 2001 "Preliminary figures Source: REIQ

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008"

12 mths to 30 September

“ Preliminary figures. # All figures based on sales records available as at 3/12/2008 and are subject to further revision. NB Due to the delay in sales records becoming available, comparisons between recent and historical periods should be used with caution. 1 Refers to detached dwellings on land less than 2400 square metres. 2 Refers to building units and group titled properties. (LGA) Local Government Area – as per the new boundaries gazetted 15 March 2008. SOURCE: REIQ. Data made available by Department of Natural Resources and Water, QVAS, via RP Data, Australian Business Research (ABR) and PDS Live. This information has been carefully compiled and is not intended to be treated as a warranty or promise as to the correctness of the information. Interested parties should undertake independent enquiries and investigations to satisfy themselves that any details herein are true and correct.

My Property Review – Snapshot Edition | Dec 08/Jan 09 11

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15/12/2008 10:28:19 AM

snapshot

Getting it right Sunshine Coast mayor Bob Abbot says the future looks bright for the building industry in our region.

ecause property is one of the biggest investments most of us will ever make in our lives, it stands to reason that most of us are concerned with the direction our investment will head in the upcoming year. There is no doubt that the property market has had a downturn of around 10 to 15 per cent in recent times, which was to be expected given the global financial meltdown. Most unexpected was the speed with which it has happened. So what will happen in 2009? Let’s look at the positives. Interest rates are falling and will continue to do so for the next three to six months, making home finance the cheapest it has been for decades. Government incentives for first-home buyers will ensure that more Queenslanders will have the chance to achieve the great Australian dream. The local market will be stirred by this and the comeback will be led from the ground up, meaning the demand for affordable/entry-level housing will put pressure on the market, forcing prices up as buyers graduate from one price bracket to another. I expect that this will mainly occur in the second half of 2009, and will be the precursor to the next property boom, which will run from 2010 to 2012. Those of you who own investment units are in for another tough year as this segment is still saturated. We simply have more stock than demand and although there are sales still happening, the greatest demand in units is for the residential-style complexes. Vacant land sales will be patchy as the investment required to buy and build will be too much for many buyers to sustain. Entry-level buyers are going to have the best of the market as prices have settled to the most affordable level in years and borrowed money is cheap. If you are not already in the market, do it now, as you will not get better conditions to buy. At the other end of the scale, the prestige market has been suffering from a buyer drought caused mainly by the exposure of these clients to the fluctuations of the stockmarket and business sensitivities. The inflow of residents both from interstate and overseas will be the key to sales in this segment, as we are looking for further injections of cash into the community. One of the keys to the stability of the prestige market is that, on average, only one in three homes actually has a mortgage. This means that there is very little bank pressure on the local clients. The signs and ingredients are all there. Now all that is required is more buyer confidence.

uality has replaced quantity as an edict for development on the Sunshine Coast, according to regional council mayor Bob Abbot. “This is good, but we do need affordable housing too and developers are seeing an opportunity to build that into the range of products they are offering,” he says. “Developers are realising that lifestyle is still important, not just for residents but also for their own business.” Bob believes that the future of the Sunshine Coast is bright and he also gives the local development industry a pat on the back. “The Sunshine Coast is very resilient to current trends and that has a lot to do with the local community and the local development industry,” he says. “The development industry has a good understanding of the product, of what the community is seeking and council respects the fact that developers have a genuine commitment to the area.” Bob says that the days of putting 30 to 40 small units on a block and selling off the plan are over. “Now they know they can successfully put bigger units on the same block, put a bit more effort into design and making it attractive and still get the same dollar returns,” he says.

“

The Coast is very resilient to current trends and that has a lot to do with the local community and the development industry

“

By Anthony Gorman of Ken Guy Maroochydore

“As a council, we would always prefer to be dealing with local developers who know the system, than others who come in from out of town with different values to make a quick buck.” Looking at major issues that have affected the coast during 2008 and their impact on the new year and beyond, Bob has listed the growth rate outstripping capacity to supply infrastructure as a primary consideration. “Growth has been 3.5 per cent a year, which is just too fast,” he says. “We can’t keep up with that. We need to slow that back to the national average of two per cent.” Fortunately this has occurred naturally as the financial crisis has led to a slowdown. “Coast values are still up, though,” he says. “Our stamp duty figures were some of the highest in the state and yet sales dropped only slightly. Real estate will hold its value regardless of the growth rate for the next few years.” Bob says greenfield developments coming on line, such as at Palmview and South Caloundra, will keep interest on the Sunshine Coast and provide a significant amount of product for home buyers.

“Similarly we will have a principal activity centre based on Maroochydore, which will take off in the next few years,” he says. “It represents a new urban lifestyle. People can live where they work. There’s significant recreation space not only in an open space way, but also in an organised sense with the cafe culture and indoor sport and recreational activities, all in this town centre.” He says that the old days of “build and they will come” regardless of the effect on the community, are over. The second big issue is public transport. “Development of a good system is going to assist the development industry enormously,” Bob says. “It can provide for more affordable high-density living and make a more desirable place to live without relying on car traffic and congested roads.” One of the major events of the past year has been the amalgamation of Maroochy, Noosa and Caloundra local authorities into one regional council. Bob was elected by an overwhelming majority to lead the Sunshine Coast into the future. Having been a leader in the innovative and sometimes controversial direction set for Noosa, Bob was first elected to Noosa Shire Council in 1982 and spent 15 years as a councillor and 10 years as mayor. During that time, he oversaw growth management which did not come at the expense of the environment, introduction of building height limits, provision of stateof-the-art water and sewerage schemes and ultimately, recognition of Noosa as a premier destination. After the state turmoil of amalgamation, he now looks only forward. “Amalgamation has been and gone – we are now one region with one council,” he says. “We just have to get on with what we have to do. We need to get on with it and we need to do it well.” Bob says many regional initiatives have already been instigated by Sunroc, the Sunshine Coast Regional Organisation of Councils, which was a co-operative working group of the three previous councils. “We are simply carrying on the good work,” he says. “I really want to get the big picture stuff right. I believe in strategy before structure. We want to get it right before we build the machine to do it.” Bob says that since its election in March, the council has been working on establishing priorities for the future, the strategy to achieve them and deciding its position on issues. He says councillors are heavily into the big picture and direction, with strong views on maintaining Sunshine Coast lifestyle. “By March next year, we will be organised and have everything in place ready to deliver,” he says. “We have established the broad outline of the structure and now we are ready to move.”

12 My Property Review – Snapshot Edition | Dec 08/Jan 09

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11/12/2008 12:05:05 PM

snapshot

Building rise begins at home Despite the recent slowdown in new home approvals, industry experts expect to see an increase in activity as confidence returns and the Sunshine Coast population continues to rise. he Housing Industry Association (HIA) is expecting to see a lift in the Sunshine Coast home building industry’s activity levels in the second quarter of 2009. Queensland HIA executive director Warwick Temby says figures to the end of September show an 11 per cent decline in housing approvals on the Sunshine Coast, which, compared with last year, is about half the fall for the whole state average of 23 per cent. There were 867 home approvals in the three months to September this year, compared with 970 for the same period last year. The state tally was 9304 this year compared with 12,060 in 2007. However, these figures do not take into account the events after September in 2008. Dropping stamp duty for first-home buyers who are purchasing homes worth up to $500,000, the significant falls in interest rates we have experienced over the past three months and the trebling of the First Home Owner Grant to $21,000 for those building new homes from mid-October, are not reflected. “These three things are all very positive news for the building industry and all imply that now is a great time to be buying,” Warwick says. “They will also hopefully offset the negative effects on confidence from the global financial situation.” He says the anecdotal evidence he has received suggests that interest in home building has been buoyed by these factors, which should have a positive effect on sales over the next few months. “The continuing strong population growth on the Sunshine Coast is also a very positive factor for the home building industry,” he says.

Number of Dwelling Approvals

The table opposite shows how the Sunshine Coast compares to the rest of the state.

Region

3 months to September 2008

3 months to September 2007

% change

Brisbane

4123

4931

-16%

Gold Coast

1217

1412

-14%

Sunshine Coast

867

970

-11%

Bundaberg

101

310

-67%

Hervey Bay

186

274

-32%

Darling Downs

382

417

-8%

Toowoomba

243

247

-2%

Rockhampton

229

-70%

Gladstone

108

168

-36%

Mackay

214

310

-31%

Townsville/Thuringwa

298

573

-48%

Cairns

381

957

-60%

Queensland

9304

12,060

-23% Source: HIA

By Ian Black, principal, Day & Grimes Nambour his time last year, Nambour’s real estate market was performing strongly. Then came January. It was the worst selling experience for Day & Grimes that I can remember in 14 years, and ours wasn’t the only agency. As we all now realise, the Nambour market peaked in December 2007. In the months that followed we had well below-average sales, with those needing to sell urgently

looking to price as the vehicle to make their properties more attractive to buyers. Interest rates also peaked and the talk of cuts began to restore confidence that homes would become affordable again. Then, just as we all began to breathe easier, the mother of all financial crashes happened in the US and reports immediately began flashing around the world. The weeks that followed left us with our mouths agape. How could this be? We are experiencing buoyant economic times and unemployment is at historically low levels. As a result of government measures and the Reserve Bank cutting the rate for prime lending to 4.25 per cent, a new trend has emerged. My prediction for Nambour in 2009 is that there will be plenty of activity brought on by the increased first-home owner grant, loan specials on offer at 3.99 per cent fixed for

one year, and land in good supply in a range of suburban areas in and around Nambour. Our marketing manager Gary Langford recently sold 32 lots at Coes Settlement to one builder, giving him the opportunity to offer buyers the house and land packages from as low as $358,000. Announcements such as this help restore confidence in the affordability of housing on the Sunshine Coast, and Nambour is well placed to play a key role in providing an affordable home. With interest rates falling and predicted to drop further, the cost of a mortgage now looks viable compared with renting. Renting a family home in Nambour and surrounds has broken through the $400 per week barrier, so that owning will cost little more than renting and in some cases, less than renting. This provides residents with a real choice, a choice that has not been available for some time.

14 My Property Review – Snapshot Edition | Dec 08/Jan 09

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My Property Review – Snapshot Edition | Dec 08/Jan 09 15

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10/12/2008 3:24:01 PM

snapshot

2008: year of the reality check Real estate identity Michael Davoren shares his thoughts about the market in 2008, and provides an insight into what 2009 may bring.

“

First home buyers are the start of the real estate food chain. Without them, we don’t get second home buyers

dropped more than most real estate agents think it has and that is why there is stock sitting unsold. “Having said that, I think the good news is that there are still buyers there, buyers wanting to buy but not racing in. Rather, they are waiting for their opportunity, so 2009 is going to be a better year for a number of reasons.” Australia doesn’t have the problems that have hit the US and from a real estate point of view, we don’t have an underlying overstock of property. The US has a massive oversupply. “We have an underlying shortage of supply and that is the foundation that will create a reasonably good market for 2009,” Michael says. “The government’s increase of the first-home owner

grant is a positive thing and that helps build up the entry-level part of the market. First-home buyers are the start of the real estate food chain. Without them, we don’t get secondhome buyers.” He predicts interest rates will still fall dramatically, which will take the pressure off a lot of people who otherwise may have had to sell their property, but another critical factor is unemployment. If jobless figures go too high or if people have uncertainty about their employment, they are not going to borrow money regardless of how low the interest rates drop.

“

Where we will be this time next year is hard to call, but it will depend a lot on employment. If that is not hit too hard, we will have a reasonably strong real estate market. Generally, if unemployment is up signif cantly, say another one to two per cent, we will continue to have a reasonably volatile market. The real estate industry will need to be looking for innovative ways to run businesses. It will matter how they run their business. New models will emerge. Technology is going to become a more important driver than the personality of the agent.

“

Michael, “adjustment has been made and is being made because prices, in the main, have dropped and I don’t think we are fully aware yet of the magnitude of that adjustment. “At this stage, it is really only sellers who have seriously had to adjust their property prices and that has been related to their motivation. A number of people have been hit with a double whammy, having got out of property into stocks and shares or vice versa.” For many, selling stocks has not been an option because the drop in prices on paper has been so drastic, so it is property that has been more easily realised. “At this moment we are in a state of flux situation, one where the adjustment is taking place,” Michael says. “Many of the properties currently on the market are over-valued. Sellers are not yet getting the message. The market has

“

ven if the national economy is subdued over the next 12 months, the Sunshine Coast is not going to be too badly damaged because it can offer a range of prices and, overall, the prospects are optimistic for 2009. Property industry expert Michael Davoren says he expects first-home owners – the plankton where the real estate food chain starts – to drive the market for the first half of the new year. “Within Australia there are thousands of marketplaces and every one is different,” he says. “The Sunshine Coast is well placed because it has a very good span of price ranges. Currently the strength of the marketplace is at the bottom end of the market, under $500,000 and the Sunshine Coast is doing better than many other areas.” Michael, a former president of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland, the Real Estate Institute of Australia and the Australian representative to the International Consortium of Real Estate Associations, says 2008 could best be described as the year of the reality check for both the industry and the market. “Agents have been used to a marketplace where, if properties were not priced correctly it didn’t matter because the market was heading up at such a rate it didn’t take long to catch up with an overprice,” he says. “A lot of properties were sold not as a result of a high skill level. That all changed in 2008. The frenzy came out of the market and buyers became far more discerning. They started to take their time and to look around more. Interest rates went up and there were fewer buyers.” Michael says real estate is a demand and supply commodity, so that when the demand went off the boil, supply started to increase and it became far more critical for properties to represent value in the marketplace. Real estate agents had to learn more astutely how to appraise properties and educate buyers and sellers. Buyers and sellers also had to adapt to changed conditions. “In terms of where marketplace is right now,” says

Auction action in 2008 The local market is realising what the southern states have known all along – that auctions are a great way to sell. trend that we saw emerging during 2008 was the method of sale, with auctions – long the method of choice in southern states – becoming more popular with the local market. This could be attributed to the increase in interstate migration. When property owners are faced with the choice of deciding how the sell their homes through an agent, the

auction method is appealing to sellers looking to move on quickly with very little uncertainty. Combined with a good marketing campaign, it can deliver the seller fair market value with a cash unconditional contract within 30 days. The second choice is whether to hold the auction on site or to join an in-room multi-auction event. While iconic properties are best suited to on-site

auctions, the in-room multi-auction is becoming more popular with many other owners and sales agents. Henzells Agency auctions almost 200 properties a year. Last year, the reintroduction of the in-room auction format culminated in it staging the largest real estate event ever seen on the Sunshine Coast. More than 600 people turned up to see 25 properties go under the hammer.

16 My Property Review – Snapshot Edition | Dec 08/Jan 09

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15/12/2008 1:38:13 PM

snapshot

Still calling the Coast home While the Sunshine Coast is not immune to the drops in house sales experienced in other parts of the country, our lifestyle and location are still attracting new residents, buffering our market against large drops in sales.

Annual change

30%

20%

10%

0% House capital growth

Unit capital growth 08 Se

07 Se

06 Se

05 Se

04 Se

03 Se

02 Se

01 Se

00 20 p Se

-10% Se

Sunshine Coast capital growth – houses and units 40%

Source: Residex/CBRE Research & Consulting (as at September 2008)

he Sunshine Coast’s population of 300,000 is expected to balloon to half a million in less than 20 years. John O’Hagan, a senior director of CB Richard Ellis, says population growth has helped buffer the Sunshine Coast market against larger drops in capital growth felt in other areas over recent years. “Subsequently, the September 2008 quarter saw only moderate reductions in house prices of 1.18 per cent, producing a median of $482,000,” he says. “House sales over the quarter remained fairly stable but compared with September last year, have dropped 13.6 per cent to 8146 sales.” The median house rent dipped $10 a week to $390, producing a rental yield of 4.22 per cent. Units on the Sunshine Coast are in oversupply resulting in a price correction of 1.5 per cent in some suburbs. Maroochydore and Mooloolaba recorded the largest number of unit sales in the September quarter. Overall, the Coast median unit price held at around $355,000. Unit rents continue to improve, increasing a further $5 per week over the September quarter to $305 per week.

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My Property Review – Snapshot Edition | Dec 08/Jan 09 17

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15/12/2008 10:24:41 AM

snapshot

There’s no need for property panic Professor Mike Hefferan, from the University of the Sunshine Coast, has experienced the rise and fall of the market. He urges investors to ride out this necessary downturn, which will pass.

By Rod McLean of Maroochydore First National Real Estate ince September, we have seen interest rates fall by three per cent. They are now about as low as they have ever been and with a raft of federal and state government incentives assisting buyers, there’s almost never been a better time to enter the property market for the first time. The new year offers a triple treat for buyers, especially

“House prices as a proportion of household income are now at a very high level,” Mike says. “Property markets are sticky in that they will rise quickly or they will drift up, but it would be most unusual if they were to collapse.” He remains confident about the property market because housing doesn’t have the risk of the sharemarket. “If you compare property investment with share portfolios, the latter represents investment in a company over which you have no control, while a house is a tradeable commodity. You can rent it and derive an income or live in it, so as an investor you have a number of options and you don’t see the massive collapses,” he says.

Mike says the key to any property investment is that it must be viewed as a long-term project – a long-term asset requiring a long-term decision. “The market has eased back a bit but people shouldn’t panic. Speculation can see you get your fingers burnt and some people will get hurt,” he says. “You make money when you buy, not when you sell. It’s not the time for panic. It’s the time for conservatism and a steady approach, so unless you are forced to sell by personal

circumstances, there is not a problem.” He pointed to the 1990s, when the property market was quiet for around five to seven years. “People still made money in these quiet times. There is money in income, even apart from capital growth,” he says. “But like any investment, if you pay too much you have a problem. “Most people didn’t pay too much. They owned property before the boom and if you have owned property for 10 years, it may drop back a little bit but you won’t get hurt.” Mike says there is no point in property owners looking back and lamenting that they hadn’t sold a year ago. “They could have done that and put their money into the sharemarket and they would be a lot worse off now,” he says. “With property, at least the owner has a level of control. However, with shares in a company they don’t have any control at all.” In any event, Mike says, even though prices aren’t going up like a rocket, it is better to be on the Sunshine Coast than a lot of other places in Australia. “The problem is not in property, but in a crisis in confidence in the financial sector, and that is not of property’s making,” he says. “Boom times were over long before the financial crisis, so just take a long-term steady view. It’s the nature of the animal.”

first-home buyers, as grants have increased from $7000 up to $14,000 and $21,000 depending on the type of property purchased. Interest rates are low and are predicted to remain that way for some time. The market is steady, allowing buyers to carefully choose their new home without the pressure they felt at the beginning of 2008. The combination of these factors and our great South East Queensland location keep our market steady. There is high demand to purchase property on the Sunshine Coast and talk remains of housing shortages as statistics for future population growth isn’t matched by development approvals. On a larger scale, the much talked-about global economic position has created caution for some buyers and uncertainty for vendors who wonder

whether now is really the right time to sell. This lack of confidence from buyers and sellers has created a hiccup in the market in these changing times. It is anticipated that 2009 will continue to be prosperous for property owners. New home buyers are still searching for property and chasing the ultimate dream of buying their own home. Investors will take advantage of the low interest rates available, as rental prices are holding strong with no real adjustments seen this year. I know many people who have invested heavily in the stockmarket are now wishing that they had chosen real estate instead. It is obvious Australia is the place to be, and to buy in, and the best place in Australia is obviously the Sunshine Coast.

“

Property is a commodity like everything else and is reliant on market forces. It would defy gravity if it escalated forever

“

roperty remains a safe investment on the Sunshine Coast, which is experiencing a shortage of stock even on a down-curve in the boom and bust cycle. Professor of Property and Development in the business faculty at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Mike Hefferan, says that even though we have come off a long upswing and are in the best time for capital growth in the post-war years, the fundamentals are still in place. “At the end of the boom in the late 1980s when the market bottomed heavily, a lot of markets were oversupplied and as a result there was a high percentage of vacancies and empty houses,” he says. “This time we have come to the end of a boom and we are still short of stock. Try to find a vacant block of land on the Sunshine Coast – there are not many of them around.” There is no gross oversupply of houses, which pushes the price down, mainly due to the ongoing and significant shift of people moving here. Mike says that a new dwelling is required for every 2.4 people who arrive here and as there are a lot of people turning up on the Sunshine Coast, there is not a lot of spare stock. “In economic terms it is fundamental stuff,” he says. “All things slow down after a time and it would have slowed in any case, even without what happened in August. “Property is a commodity like everything else and is reliant on market forces. It would defy gravity if it escalated forever.” After a relatively slow period during the 1990s, prices in some parts of the property market were playing catch-up during the boom in the first years of the new millennium, while other parts became overheated.

18 My Property Review – Snapshot Edition | Dec 08/Jan 09

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15/12/2008 11:14:00 AM

snapshot

Resort-style living is on par Lend Lease has some grand plans in place for the Hyatt Coolum’s residential precincts. Resort-style living is now within reach, with prestige homes in the exclusive Whitehaven at Beachside precinct ready to hit the market. end lease is expecting 2009 to be an exciting year, with the completion of the new golf course, construction of luxury homes on the beachfront and the limited release of homes in its golf-front community. A rejuvenation program has resulted in the transformation of the resort’s spa in 2008, and in 2009 six new holes around Hyatt Coolum’s Vine Forest, on the western side of the five-star resort, will be completed. The six new holes and driving range, designed by the Hyatt’s original course designer, Robert Trent Jones jnr, team RTJII, will ensure the integrity and quality of the renowned 18-hole championship course. The rejuvenated golf course will open to the public mid-year, with the 2009 Australian PGA Championship to be played on the new course. Lend Lease has engaged award-winning architect Paul Uhlmann to design a limited release of homes within the new stage of Hyatt Coolum’s golf-front community, Vantage. Paul is no stranger to Hyatt Coolum, having worked in conjunction with Planit Architects to create individual

designs for the 40 homes in Lend Lease’s first residential community at Hyatt Coolum, Visage, in 2004. The 11 homes, which will hug the new third hole, will be released to the market in early 2009. The first of the new homes at Whitehaven at Beachside will also be completed in 2009. Whitehaven is a luxury, beachfront community at the south-eastern pocket of Beachside at Hyatt Regency Coolum. Constructed by a select group of local builders, homes within this exclusive

gated community are now available to the market. Later in the year, Lend Lease will have new releases of homes front the golf course or the beach at Hyatt Coolum. All Hyatt Coolum homes have access to the resort’s five-star facilities, including five pools, 1.2 kilometres of beach frontage, a new recreational lake, the 18-hole PGA Championship golf course, health spa and gym, seven tennis courts, Camp Hyatt Kid’s Club, and restaurants and bars. For more phone the sales centre on 1800 688 530.

16 ft e y nl s l O ck o bl

My Property Review – Snapshot Edition | Dec 08/Jan 09 19

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15/12/2008 12:22:36 PM

snapshot

Developing a central hub There are exciting plans ahead for the CBD in Maroochydore as the Chardan Group gears up for the first release of its much-anticipated master development, Sunshine Cove.

lanning and design work undertaken during the past four years will transform the 106-hectare Sunshine Cove development from the prime central Sunshine Coast site known as Wises Farm into a Maroochydore CBD centrepiece during the next decade. The premier development site was acquired by the Chardan Development Group in 2004, after it sold the remainder of the Chancellor Park estate to the Pask Group at the height of the property boom. A master plan was unveiled in late 2004, and since then, local and industry professionals have worked tirelessly on planning and design to create a city within a park, a place where people can work, live and play. The group expects to release the first residential land at Sunshine Cove in the second quarter of 2009. “During the next 10 years, Chardan Development Group will transform the area into the centrepiece of Maroochydore’s CBD, attaining an end value of approximately $800 million,” general manager Evan Dickson says. The first stage of the development has seen 35 hectares of lakes and parklands emerge to provide a backdrop for the numerous planned uses, including commercial, retail, showroom and office space. These will be integrated with community facilities and numerous residential options. More than eight kilometres of boardwalk, paved footpaths and bicycle pathways will link Sunshine Cove with the Maroochy River. The much-needed connection will travel via Reed Property Group’s proposed redevelopment of the Big Top on Cornmeal Creek and Sunshine Plaza to the Wises Farm development. Community partners Reed Property Group, Harvey Norman, Garry Crick Mercedes and Living Choice, all of

which have acquired key parcels within Sunshine Cove, are working towards a common community goal. “We are confident that the involvement of our community partners in the development of Sunshine Cove will both complement and enhance Chardan’s vision for the emergence of a sophisticated urban living and commercial business community,” Evan says. During the past 12 months, achievements have included the soon-to-be-completed bulk earthworks program, part of an extensive three-year project to create the canvas for Sunshine Cove. It includes an impressive lake system as well as the formation of the large englobo – land zoned for closer settlement growth – parcels, the levelling of the finished levels and the installation of intersection works on Maroochy Boulevard. In October 2008 the much-anticipated Garry Crick Mercedes dealership was opened. It is a state-of-the-art and architecturally designed showroom which is already boasting impressive results. During this time, Reed Property Group successfully launched the first stage of Emporio on Precinct 1 along Plaza Parade. Emporio offers a new urban lifestyle of stylish lakeside apartments, office space, fresh food marketplace and sophisticated dining and entertainment in the heart of Maroochydore’s CBD. “By all accounts, 2009 is set to be an equally busy and exciting time for the Chardan Development Group and indeed the Sunshine Coast community,” Evan says. “The first Sunshine Cove residential opportunity will bring innovative and exciting living options that focus on our enviable Sunshine Coast lifestyle to the market.” For further information on Sunshine Cove, visit www.sunshinecove.com.au.

uring the past 17 years, the Chardan Development Group has established a reputation as a progressive, community-focused company intent on creating prestige residential communities on the Sunshine and Gold coasts. Covering some 300 hectares, its Chancellor Park estate has matured into a special community which has greatly assisted Chardan in def ning its parameters for future developments. It all began in 1994, when numerous opportunities presented for grazing land along the Bruce Highway just south of Buderim, which had come on to the market. In 1997, the Chardan Development Group acquired the land and quickly adopted a vision for a master-planned community focused on a multi-tiered lake system, open space and landscaped parklands. Chancellor Park Estate, in a superb location close to the University of the Sunshine Coast and numerous public and private primary and secondary schools, soon evolved into the Sunshine Coast education precinct. Complemented by an emerging and vibrant commercial hub of more than 50 local and national enterprises, the area is now a hive of activity providing essential services to a community of some 2500 homes. In addition, numerous facilities including kilometres of walkways and bike tracks meander around expansive lakes and parklands. Undercover barbecue areas, a skatebowl, tranquil landscaped vistas and several large playgrounds ensure the open space areas offer facilities for residents of all ages. During this time, Chardan Development Group was also busy developing a picturesque 330-lot rural subdivision in the picturesque Bonogin Valley, 15 minutes from Gold Coast beaches. Here, residents enjoyed the same fundamental planning principles initiated on the Sunshine Coast – large open space parklands complemented by quality and sustainable streetscapes, all of which ensured that the subdivision sold out in f ve years.

20 My Property Review – Snapshot Edition | Dec 08/Jan 09

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12/12/2008 10:21:15 AM

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12/12/2008 10:21:54 AM

snapshot

Matusik’s market view Property analyst Michael Matusik talks to MPR about the real state of the local property market, and despite the doomsayers, there’s a lot we should be considering when judging this market for ourselves.

sell and wait until 2010,” he said. “Otherwise accept the best offer within the first four to six weeks, as research shows the next best offer will be 10-15 per cent lower in a buyer’s market.” He said price performance on the Sunshine Coast was stronger than most think. Mr Matusik said residential property had outperformed most other assets over the short, medium and long-term. “Residential returns are cyclical and nominal prices rarely actually decline on an annual basis,” he said. “Detached houses and attached dwellings now show similar total returns and all investment markets gravitate towards their long-term average overtime.”

“

The Sunshine Coast is one of the fastest growing regions in Queensland with 8000 new arrivals every year

“

loomy outlooks are holding the property market back and becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy, even though many of the dire forecasts are not justified and statistics indicate that there is still a lot to be optimistic about. Property analyst Michael Matusik says there is still a lot to be happy about and that it will only get better in 2009. “The Big Four are all positive and big time,” he said. “We have the highest population growth on record; we are in a strong economic position, particularly in commodity states such as Queensland; unemployment remains low and is still often under four per cent and we have a growing undersupply of new stock.” Australia’s population growth of 337,000 people a year is the fastest on record. Queensland and Victoria are the fastest growing states and the Sunshine Coast is one of the fastest in Queensland with 8000 new arrivals a year. Australia’s permanent population is projected to increase by 285,000 per year over the next 25 years, with about 70 per cent of growth in capital cities and 20 per cent in the coastal areas adjacent to Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. Unemployment on the Sunshine Coast has dropped from 5.5 per cent to 4.4 per cent in the past 12 months. There is an underlying demand for 180,000 new homes each year in Australia. Undersupply is more than 30 per cent and this is expected to reach 40 per cent within 12 to 18 months. Investors now make up less than 30 per cent of the market. Mr Matusik said bottom to middle markets were the strongest, fuelled by first home buyers and investors starting to become active again. “Top-end and resort/happy markets are sluggish and will probably stay that way until the share market recovers all its losses,” he said. Mr Matusik has predicted a buyer’s market for 2009 – overpriced stock isn’t selling – and a seller’s market in 2010. “Remove your property from sale if you don’t need to

Total residential returns have risen by 11.4 per cent over the past 12 months, prices rose by eight per cent and rents went up by 14 per cent. On the Sunshine Coast returns were up 11.8 per cent. New dwellings are 35 to 40 per cent more expensive than established property because of green politics setting boundaries and limiting new supply and the conditions and time taken to get approvals. Renovations make up 50 cents in the housing dollar. It was just 25 per cent a decade ago but could be 60 per cent plus within the next five years. The new residential market is also undersupplied and this is expected to deteriorate further, despite recent fiscal stimuli. There is also a growing mismatch between supply and demand. Mr Matusik said it had been often reported that more

than 800,000 people were under mortgage stress and yet only 0.41 per cent of mortgages were in arrears by three months – or just 17,000 borrowers. He said housing affordability was incorrectly measured and established prices were nowhere near crisis levels. The Reserve Bank of Australia found that 47 per cent of income could be used for debt servicing while maintaining lifestyle. “There’s a borrowing crisis maybe, but not a mortgage crisis,” he said. And the Sunshine Coast is improving, with house price to disposable income ratios dropping from 7.5 to under five in the last three months alone. Net income growth has averaged eight per cent since 2002. Interest rates rose by 3.4 per cent and yet house prices rose by 75 per cent.” He said one issue was the artificially high price of new stock, driven by lack of land on the market, high taxes and charges on new housing and the time taken to get approvals. “New affordability and the lack of new rental stock are the real issues,” he said. “Most vendors don’t need to sell and neither are they in any hurry to do so, and yet the proportion of established property listed for sale is high.” About 10 per cent of property for sale is currently selling, compared to the 10-year average of 25 per cent and 45 per cent to 50 per cent during the 2003 and 2007 market peaks. According to Mike’s research, Sunshine Coast houses take 123 days to sell compared to 47 days in Brisbane.

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15/12/2008 11:09:37 AM

snapshot

Big projects in 2009 Stockland reveals a number of projects that are in the pipeline for 2009. From residential communities to fully integrated town centres, there’s certainly a lot to look forward to.

photo of Bill courtesy of prof le magazine

By Bill Darby, Marketing Coordinator, Reed Property Group he development industry and property sector have met a number of challenges in 2008. As well as the shake-up in the global equities market, we’ve also had significant changes in the political scene, both federal and local; and spending has been affected across the board. With many wondering what lies ahead for the Sunshine Coast in light of current uncertainty, a look at some of

Like several current and completed Stockland projects, an active residents group has been established in Kawana Forest and is keeping members involved with regular newsletter updates. Similarly in Bellvista, where only a handful of lots still remain, a successful resident group has been established and is fostering strong community spirit. “The completion of Kawana Forest demonstrates our strong ongoing commitment to delivering innovative, sustainable and long-term housing solutions to the people of the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Wellwood said. “A number of other exciting projects are in the pipeline for 2009 and beyond and we are working hard to finalise the details of these to bring much needed land supply to the region.” Among projects yet to be launched is a new neighbourhood planned for Birtinya Island at the southern end of Lake Kawana, which will be handy to the proposed

“

A number of other exciting projects are in the pipeline for 2009 and beyond...

“

ueensland’s largest residential developer has substantially increased its commitment to the Sunshine Coast, with the successful launch of two new residential communities in 2008. Stockland’s newest communities of Brightwater at Bundilla and Woodgrove at Beerwah will together provide almost 1500 new home sites for the region. As well as Brightwater and Woodgrove, Stockland also currently has home sites and home and land packages available in the communities of Bellvista at Caloundra, The Boardwalk at Coolum, and Doonella Noosa. The company has plans for further major investments on the Coast, including additional residential communities and the creation of a world-class town centre for Kawana Waters. Stockland’s Sunshine Coast Regional Manager, Nick Wellwood, said the past 12 months had seen a significant increase in the company’s product offering in the region. He said the popularity of Stockland communities was continuing to grow as buyers discovered the group’s track record for producing carefully planned and desirable communities. “Our customers recognise that Stockland estates offer great value for money in terms of their location, high standard of community amenities, ongoing maintenance and quality housing,” Mr Wellwood said. “They are also seeing the absolute commitment we have to sustainability across all of our projects. In the current economic climate, people are choosing Stockland because of the quality, security and value of our communities.” As well as the launch of new projects, 2008 has also seen good progress at Stockland’s Bellvista community and the completion of Kawana Forest, a 432-lot development on the edge of a 300-hectare forest reserve. Kawana Forest is an ideal example of a new development that provides residents with a real sense of belonging to a close-knit and vibrant community.

Left to right: Matthew Lindley, Mark Van Wyk, Nick Wellwood, Jason Ward, Marc Wilkinson, Shane Bennett

new town centre; Kawana business village; and the planned regional hospital. Birtinya Island will be a community created right on the water’s edge and linked to the Kawana Town Centre by a proposed pedestrian path and bridge over the lake. It is expected to provide a wide range of housing choices, including traditional homes, waterside apartments and terrace-style dwellings. The community has an area of approximately 92 hectares and could eventually be home to about 9000 people. Another future residential community is also being planned for the beachside of Nicklin Way, opposite the

entrance to Lake Kawana Boulevard. Between Mooloolaba and Caloundra, the community could eventually be home to about 3500 people and also feature a wide range of quality homes, terrace housing, townhouses, apartments and community facilities. The beachside project could also include a small scale retail and commercial component and, like Birtinya Island, will enjoy easy access to the proposed town centre. The Kawana Town Centre itself is expected to be a world-class example of a fully integrated and master planned hub that reflects the casual, sub-tropical lifestyle of the Sunshine Coast. It is expected to feature a wide range of uses, including apartment living, office, government, hotel, major retail, commercial, cafes and entertainment, and also create thousands of new jobs for the Sunshine Coast.

the basic facts about our beautiful region provides some insight. The Sunshine Coast enjoys one of the county’s strongest growth rates and with growth comes employment and prosperity. We already have a strong tourism focus and with a low exchange rate favouring domestic travel, the Coast is well poised to benefit from increased visitors. Interest rates for home lending began their fall to what many are saying will be the lowest level in history. First time buyers and those looking to expand their property portfolio by buying off the plan in 2009 will benefit most from this current phase in the economic cycle. Off-plan contracts allow buyers to fix a price now without the need to settle for a year or sometimes two. Like all markets, a downturn is always followed by strong upward price movement and educated buyers know that the best time to buy is when others are selling. Astute

buyers foresee future rental shortages and higher rents translating to higher investment returns and will be looking to take advantage of the current climate. Education, tourism, and public sector employment will continue to increase, especially around Maroochydore which has now been designated as the Coast’s principal activity centre, or CBD. Developers are also working harder to deliver projects with added incentives for buyers that simply aren’t on offer in the boom times. The most exciting prospect that property investors can look forward to in the coming year is low interest rates, and potential positive gearing. My advice is look for investments in central locations close to where the jobs are, and try to defer payment for as long as possible. That way, you can ride out the storm and use the 2009 property market to your full advantage.

26 My Property Review – Snapshot Edition | Dec 08/Jan 09

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MPR_SNAPSHOT_p27.indd 1

10/12/2008 3:16:56 PM

snapshot

Clear view ahead

Boosting property

Investa Property Group is gearing up for a busy 12 months, with the Palmview area high on the agenda.

Government incentives plus an extra $14,000 handout has created a rush for new houses.

ecording its most successful year Sippy Creek, which has been identified to date after five years on the by the State Government to be developer Sunshine Coast, the Investa Property ready within 12 months to help Group is looking forward to completing accommodate the growing Sunshine Coast and consolidating its structure and population over the next 15 to 20 years infrastructure plans during the next “We are aiming to have a structure 12 months. plan over the area by mid-2009,” Mr “We have done a number of land Hopkins said. “In preparing that plan, our releases since we started here in 2003 and commitment is to sustainable development in 2008, the Bellflower project at Sippy at Palmview and we know that the Downs, which welcomed about 200 new Sunshine Coast Environment Council also residents, became our most successful,” has that high on its agenda.” Investa’s development Working with manager Michael council staff, the plan is Our commitment is to incorporate recycled Hopkins said. “Towards the end water, public transport to sustainable of the year we were and building designs that affected like everyone incorporate alternative development at else, with the economic energy, from the beginning. Palmview slowdown but we have Palmview will be found that even in this developed over 15 years period of downturn, and will eventually there is still a strong demand for affordable accommodate about 18,000 people and products,” he said. provide 5500 jobs. A focused effort to keep prices in the “The key difference is that these jobs affordable range – Bellflower is the most will be aimed at new knowledge and affordable estate east of the Bruce Highway technology-related industries,” Mr Hopkins - has paid off. said. “Palmview’s location near the “While other segments might have University of the Sunshine Coast is a key been experiencing a bit more pain, differentiator.” demand has remained strong for affordable Investa is already working with products and the first home buyer grant university staff and other developers to has also certainly helped us.” plan and market the area as a knowledgeMr Hopkins said planning the based economy. Palmview area, which is immediately south Mr Hopkins said the next 12 months of the area now being developed, would be would deliver a clear direction as structure the group’s major focus in the new year. and infrastructure planning should be Investa owns 353 hectares south of finalised by the end of 2009.

ngoing successful land releases at Bellflower at Sippy Downs and development of the Palmview community being brought forward, have made it a big year for the Investa Property Group on the Sunshine Coast. Palmview is to be developed in stages over 15 years and will be home to 18,000 residents. It will also create around 5500 jobs through the introduction of an Enterprise Precinct and Village Centre. “Investa is working closely with the Sunshine Coast Regional Council to ensure that appropriate infrastructure is in place to support its 18,000 residents,” Investa development manager Michael Hopkins said. “Next year is set to be busy following the State Government’s announcement to include Palmview as one of the 17 greenfield sites in Southeast Queensland to be brought forward.” A further 200 new residents were welcomed to the adjacent Bellflower community, where more than 70 homes were built on a total of 140 lots of land released this year. Following the announcement of the Federal Government’s economic stimulus package that tripled the first home owner’s grant for newly built properties to $21,000, Investa teamed up with Adenbrook Homes to provide a special $14,000 bonus promotion, to further boost the offer. “The promotion resulted in hundreds of enquiries and there would be four or five people waiting to see a sales consultant at a time,” Mr Hopkins said. “This culminated

“

By Peter Ford, Henzells Agency General Manager ith pristine beaches, a majestic backdrop of the Glasshouse Mountains and the Pumicestone Passage marine park on its doorstep, Caloundra is still seen as opportunistic, with the lower end of the market still being offered in its surrounding suburbs such as Caloundra West and Bell Vista. These lower-end opportunities will continue to decline

and the entry-level purchase price will inevitably increase as the Sunshine Coast continues to develop as the lifestyle of choice of many Australians. However, with interest rates declining, we should see a dramatic improvement in the volume of sales next year, but it could be six to 12 months before we see an increase in median pricing. Interstate migration to the Coast continues to gain momentum, with the demand for property far outweighing supply. The main drivers are the 50-plus market who have the money to buy and/or upgrade. The prime property market in the Caloundra area is on the rise, with Henzells Prestige setting record sale prices in every waterfront suburb from Golden Beach to Kawana. The $1 million level is regularly exceeded. The upgrade of the dual carriage way linking Caloundra and the Bruce Highway has also opened new commuting

in 20 contracts being signed and many more expressions of interest being registered by people ready to take up future opportunities.” As a result, only six allotments remain for sale in the current release. “This positive take-up highlights that even with the economic downturn, there remains a strong demand for quality, affordable housing on the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Hopkins said. “With a number of significant achievements and important milestones reached in 2008, it has paved the way for productive new year with a focus on delivering the next stages of the popular Bellflower community and structure planning for Palmview.”

ustainability has been a focus for the Invest Property Group during 2008. A three-year program to rehabilitate Sippy Creek was completed at a cost of $4 million. The project has seen this signif cant natural waterway restored to pristine condition. As a result, the group was ranked among the f nalists for the 2008 Property Council of Australia Innovation and Excellence (Sustainable Development) Award. It also received Australia’s most prestigious environmental award – the 2008 Banksia Environment Foundation National Award for Climate Change – in recognition of leadership in climate change initiatives.

opportunities for Brisbane professionals wanting a sea change. The demand for commercial/industrial land is at fever pitch across South East Queensland and shows no sign of slowing in Caloundra. The much anticipated Sunshine Coast Industrial Estate next to Caloundra’s Corbould Park racecourse is well underway and attracting a lot of interest. The development, designed by the State Government’s Property Services Group is designed to suit a range of general and low-impact industries, such as manufacturing, processing, reprocessing and ancillary activities for owneroperated business. This exciting new estate features an array of location benefits for the commercially minded and will provide multiple opportunities for employment and a sustainable future for many working families. It is set to become a driving force for the local economy.

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Capital centre giving back Community Solutions continues its commitment to serving the Coast with the development of a purpose-built facility. he Sunshine Coast Community Capital Centre, a new purpose-built facility which will be home to a number of community service and allied health providers offering support services to individuals, families and schools, is scheduled for completion in 2009. Developed by Community Solutions, the two-level waterfront building on the banks of Lake Kawana will be in the service and health hub of the Sunshine Coast. The proposed Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Stockland Park, the Kawana Town Centre, Kawana Waters State College and Lake Kawana Community Centre are all within a three-kilometre radius. Community Solutions general manager David Curd says the Sunshine Coast Community Capital Centre will service like-minded community and allied health organisations in a one-stop centre for individuals and families in need.

“The integrated service centre is an excellent facility with the opportunity to develop service partnerships and synergies not usually available in commercial buildings,” David says. It has attracted strong interest from local community and health service providers, with 50 per cent of tenancy space secured by a number of organisations including Cystic Fibrosis Queensland. “It’s great to have a high-profile tenant such as Cystic Fibrosis Queensland among the first to secure space within the building,” David says. Cystic Fibrosis Queensland CEO Jane Andersen says there are about 100 clients and families residing in the Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay regions who need the organisation’s support. For information about tenancies from 150 to 500 square metres, contact David on 5437 9499 or 0417 631 550.

The response to our release of Claymore Park has been fantastic to say the least. With 13 lots already snapped up, and construction underway, you still have a few opportunities to secure your new home site overlooking the Mooloolah River National Park and Uni Creek Reserve. With value this good you too can join the renowned Chancellor community, taking advantage of our great coastal lifestyle, centred around the

magnificent Chancellor lakes and parkland. Don’t miss your opportunity to enjoy our ease of access to local schools, the Sunshine Coast University and newly completed motorway. Discover why Claymore Park is just too precious to let slip away.

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Beerwah continues to boom The second stage of Stockland’s Woodgrove community has been released, with 24 additional home sites on offer. ore than a third of the new hinterland community of Woodgrove has been sold in the nine months since its launch. A 304-lot Stockland residential community, Woodgrove is in Beerwah, which is well within the Brisbane commuter belt while being an easy drive to the beach. Stockland has recently launched the sixth stage of the project with the release of another 24 quality home sites, and is also offering a range of home and land packages. Many new homes have been completed and construction is advanced on others as the first residents settle in. Stockland has also opened a new display centre at Woodgrove, representing the newest display village in the Glass House Mountains. The four display homes will be open five days a week, including Saturdays and Sundays. Woodgrove is surrounded by natural bushland and has many features, including its own central lake, parks with play equipment and barbecue and other open spaces. It is readily accessible to the rail station and shopping centre. Further information is available at the sales and information centre. Phone 5494 0765 or visit www.stockland.com.au/woodgrove.

The future looks bright Stockland’s Brightwater continues to enjoy record sales success with 140 sales just eight weeks after its launch. ne of the most successful residential projects to be launched on the Sunshine Coast in more than a decade, Brightwater, between the university and the Coast, has approximately 20 home sites remaining, from its first four stages. Stockland’s newest master-planned community recorded almost 140 sales in the first eight weeks after its launch. Many buyers had been existing residents of nearby Sippy Downs, Buderim and Mountain Creek who have chosen to relocate. The last remaining parcel of land of its size in the heart of the Sunshine Coast, Brightwater will eventually include about 1100 individual home sites and will be home to approximately 6000 people. Remaining blocks in the current release range from 330 to 964 square metres with prices starting at $192,000. Stockland’s Sunshine Coast regional manager, Nick Wellwood, says the level of interest in Brightwater has exceeded expectations. “This is a fabulous result that represents a new sales record for Stockland on the Sunshine Coast,” he says. “It also shows what can be achieved with a quality product in the right area at the right price.”

Nick says an incredible amount of planning and preparation had gone into the creation of Brightwater, including a landmark environmental project which, was one of the largest ever undertaken in the southern hemisphere. The $5 million environmental project, which is still underway, involves the translocation of 12.2 hectares of native vegetation from Brightwater to a new site at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Additionally, two key conservation areas have been set aside within Brightwater, contributing to an impressive 37 per cent of green space in the community. Nick says the combination of these factors and the current and planned facilities for the community had helped to generate strong early demand for home sites. “Although Brightwater is already off to a flying start, we believe the best is still to come,” he says. “Stockland has an excellent track record for creating desirable family communities that provide the kind of lifestyle people of the Sunshine Coast desire.” Visit www.stockland.com.au/brightwater or call 5444 1333 for more information.

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Bumper sales for Bellflower Investa is celebrating 140 sales, with the launch of its next release is just around the corner. ffordable and well-located land, dropping interest rates and the Federal Government’s $21,000 first-home owner grant have combined to see 140 home sites sold at Investa’s Bellflower neighbourhood this year. Bellflower sales consultant Rhonda Sutton says the result is pleasing, particularly with first-home owners accounting for around 20 per cent of all sales. “Housing affordability is a real issue on the Sunshine Coast and I like to think that Investa has played an important role in helping many young buyers enter the market for the first time,” she says. “Access is the other key motivator for Bellflower residents. They love the fact that they can live just minutes away from a number of quality public and private schools as well as the university, child-care centre, places of employment and major shopping precincts.”

The completion of the Claymore Road/ Dixon Road interchange earlier this year has also put beaches, Sunshine Plaza and the future regional hospital within reach, other important considerations for buyers. Investa is now planning the next land release at Bellflower, which is expected to come onto the market in late February or early March 2009. “Forest Grove will be one of the best land releases at Bellflower, with a number of lots backing onto abundant natural bushland and being within easy walking distance to the recently rehabilitated Sippy Creek,” Rhonda says. “Lot sizes start at 360 square metres, ideal for first-home owners or couples and extend to more than 700 square metres.” It is expected that the next release will sell equally as quickly. To find out more information on forthcoming releases contact 1800 550 240.

Doing business Industrial blocks are released in Landsborough’s Gateway. roperty Lynx has recently released approved light industrial blocks in one of the Sunshine Coast’s booming locations, Landsborough. Providing a superior investment opportunity, Landsborough Gateway estate is on Beerwah’s growth corridor, commanding quality road exposure. Both local and national investors are expected to be attracted to the industrial opportunity, which is likely to be the last approved subdivision for some time. Landsborough Gateway estate is eight kilometres from the Bruce Highway and less than two kilometres from Australia Zoo. It’s also less than a minute from the Landsborough train station for an easy one-hour trip to Brisbane and is only 15 minutes from Mooloolaba and Caloundra. “With land of this quality and position rarely available, combined with the expected growth rate of both the Sunshine Coast region and the township of Landsborough, these exclusive blocks are not to be overlooked,” Property Lynx consultant Warren Kelly says. “Many local business owners have contacted me. Their businesses are

expanding so fast they need to build larger premises. Many are exporting overseas and require transport facilities and infrastructure that Landsborough will offer, but they prefer locations close to home.” Significant traffic growth has resulted in the start of a new dual-road upgrade. Also under construction is a major overpass across the rail line, which is part of the infrastructure upgrade. Landsborough is expected to offer increased rail services to Brisbane, with a number of residential subdivisions either under development or in the final planning stages. “With the massive plans to expand Australia Zoo, which is already one of Australia’s top tourist destinations, the potential for small businesses to create higher awareness and use the traffic influx is fantastic,” Warren says. Property Lynx is marketing the DA-approved light industrial blocks, priced between $295 square metres and $375 square metres and blocks are 1090 square metres to 4370 square metres. For more information contact Warren Kelly on 0412 092 758.

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Perfectly located new home sites within walking distance to the waterfront, bordering state forest and surrounded by a growing community. House and land packages from $325,000* Home sites from 615sqm to 875sqm Boutique estate of 29 home sites 15mins to Rainbow Beach 90 minutes to Hervey Bay or Noosa 18 hole golf course, parks, school, library, restaurants and marina Safe boating harbour NAB Finance for approved customers^.

*Average land size 655sqm, average land price $142,500. ^Terms and conditions apply. BAP860_TCB

Discover your home on the Fraser Coast. Call Warren Kelly on 0412 092 758 My Property Review – Snapshot Edition | Dec 08/Jan 09 31

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Bellvista sell-out predicted With only a few sites remaining, buyers keen to secure a home at Caloundra’s Bellvista need to move quickly. he popular Caloundra community Bellvista is set to sell out during 2009, with only a few home sites remaining in the final release. The Clearview release features 16 new allotments, between 641 and 950 square metres, and priced from $271,000. Many of the final home sites are 950 square metres and sit at the highest point in Bellvista, so they enjoy stunning sunset views of the Glass House Mountains. Located in a premier neighbourhood and featuring wide 22-metre frontages, the sites have plenty of space for a growing family, a boat and a relaxed lifestyle. The Bellvista community features a central lake with walking and bike trails, a sports fields for cricket and football, tennis courts, a fitness circuit and barbecue areas as well as parks and open spaces. More than 700 families have now made their home at Bellvista and the few remaining home sites are expected to be snapped up quickly. More information is available from the sales and information centre on the corner of Lomond Crescent and Balmoral Boulevard in Caloundra. Phone 5437 0626 or visit www.stockland.com.au/bellvista.

Beach or bike – take your pick Buyers after waterfront living are spoiled for choice, with two options on the market offering a life by the lake or the beach. ew homes beside the water are becoming increasingly rare on the Sunshine Coast, but two Stockland communities are still offering this lifestyle option. Both the beachside community of The Boardwalk and the lakeside neighbourhood of Doonella Noosa offer a range of quality home and land packages to suit all tastes. House and land packages at Doonella Noosa on the shores of Lake Doonella, only 10 minutes from Hastings Street, are now available from $599,000. From $702,500 you can secure a four-bedroom home less than a five-minute walk from the beach at The Boardwalk near Coolum. Stockland’s Sunshine Coast regional manager Nick Wellwood says Doonella Noosa and The Boardwalk represent two of the best value-for-money neighbourhoods on the Coast. “We have home sites available at The Boardwalk in the low $300,000s,” Nick says. “Where else in South East Queensland would you find beachside living for that price. We have also been working closely with our builder partners to create some fabulous home and land packages in both The Boardwalk and Doonella Noosa.” The Boardwalk, which has one kilometre of beachfront, is one of the few remaining beachside neighbourhoods on the Coast, with no main roads separating it from the surf. It has a community environment, complete with parkland, barbecues, walking trails and the boardwalk.

Homes feature contemporary Queensland beachside architecture that captures sunlight and breezes while relating well to the natural surroundings and the ocean. Further north, Stockland’s emerging Doonella Noosa community is setting a new standard in style for the region, with its natural setting and attractive homes. The quiet and peaceful enclave has just welcomed its first residents, among them Dearne and Raymond Paradies and their four children, who moved from Sunrise Beach. The move represented a lifestyle change for the Paradies family, who had originally been considering acreage. “In the end we thought acreage would be just too far to the beach,” Dearne says. “Here, we are 10 minutes to Hastings Street, have the school next door and our block backs directly on bushland. When we go on the walk around the lake it actually feels like we are living on 10 acres.” Set in an environmental reserve, Doonella Noosa is also setting new standards for sustainability, with Stockland recently opening the Sunshine Coast’s first sustainable demonstration home in the community. Showcasing the latest in building and design technology for the environment and changing lifestyles, it has already been inspected by more than 1000 people since its launch in September. For more information phone 5447 4251 or 5446 4555 or visit www.stockland.com.au.

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Living the Emporio lifestyle Reed Property’s new development is changing the way residents work, rest and play on the Sunshine Coast. eed Property Group’s Emporio precinct is quickly redefining community living on the Sunshine Coast, with a sophisticated concept that meshes quality apartment living with commercial facilities, restaurants, cafes and a fresh food marketplace. Since the launch of stage one, more than a third of more than 60 apartments released have been sold to a mix of investors and owner-occupiers. Bill Darby, marketing coordinator – residential sales, says buyers have been attracted by the value pricing and additional lifestyle benefits that come from purchasing an apartment within the precinct. “With entry-level one-bedroom apartments starting at $329,000, Emporio is a credible and affordable option for first-home buyers and investors looking for a lowmaintenance yet high-quality lifestyle,” he explains. As an additional incentive for buyers looking to secure an investment property or home over the festive period, purchasers can select from two limited offers – a leisure and lifestyle package or an investment package. Buyers who purchase a new-release one-bedroom piazza-view apartment will receive an LX50s Vespa and

a fully installed Bose surround sound home theatre system. Investment package buyers will receive a rebate on stamp duty for purchasing a one- or two-bedroom apartment, effectively removing this additional cost from the sale altogether. “The launch of Emporio represents a significant step in the growth of Maroochydore, the Sunshine Coast’s principal activity centre,” Bill says. “The suburb is now the region’s key focus for employment, government services and civic and entertainment facilities. Emporio is in the heart of what is quickly becoming part of the newly extended Maroochydore CBD, an area that already boasts significant infrastructure which will be further strengthened by the continuing development of Sunshine Cove. In addition to being on the doorstep of these substantial developments, Emporio is just minutes away from beaches and the Mooloolaba tourist strip. More than 200 apartments will be released over three stages, with construction set to start in early 2009. Visit www.seeyoutomorrow.com.au, phone 5451 8500 or go to 17 Duporth Avenue, Maroochydore for more.

parklakes N E S T L E D

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N A T U R E

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Community centre planned Approval of a proposed community centre for Pelican Waters will give its residents an even greater quality of life. community centre where residents can live, work and play will go on to the Pelican Waters drawing board for presentation to local and state planning authorities in 2009. “The aim is to create a destination point in a town centre surrounded by more medium-density development,” Henzells Agency partner and Pelican Waters director Garry Waters says. “We have a concept and will sit down with local councillors and council officers to see what their aspirations are, so that this heart we are creating will become a real community centre.” Garry says the aim is to avoid traffic movement and congestion while providing infrastructure and facilities to make a complete lifestyle. “We have already got the world-class golf course, Crown Plaza Hotel and other facilities so this will make it possible for people to stay in the area.” The launch of the project follows a highly successful 2008 at Pelican Waters, where residential dry blocks released to the market were snapped up the weekend they become available. “We haven’t had any new releases since August but until then they were walking out the door,” Garry says. “The residential waterfront allotments have also been ticking over nicely and inquiry has picked up.” There has also been a strong interest in waterfront sites from the UK, which Garry attributes to word of mouth. He says inquiry seemed to start about the time of the last Ashes tour and has continued. Pelican Waters has welcomed the raft of incentives being offered to first-home buyers because even though

it is fifth or sixth on the real estate food chain, the firsthome buyers provide the stimulus to start the process for subsequent buyers to upgrade. The development has become something of a residential housing pioneer on the Sunshine Coast. Land sold since 1990 has totalled more than $450 million. The community has created jobs for people in hospitality, the golf and leisure industries and retail. A suburb in its own right for more than a decade, it now has its fifth display village with a sixth at the application stage, and has become a destination point

for a lot of people who have come from the southern states and New Zealand. Display villages usually have 10 to 15 homes representing various builders, with one Pelican Waters builder, Terry Beavis, recently reaching the 120 homes mark. Garry says there are more to come. “Caloundra is a different place now to what it was before Pelican Waters started. It has developed the reputation as much stronger as one of the most desirable places to live and holiday. To find out more, phone the Pelican Waters sales centre on 5492 3055.

The Outlook is great for Caloundra Investors and owner-occupiers will benefit from price reductions and future growth by securing an apartment at Outlook Caloundra. aloundra is increasingly confirming itself as an investment hotspot, as investors and owneroccupiers look to capitalise on the lifestyle and future growth of the region. Recent price reductions at the eight-storey Outlook Caloundra, perched on one of the highest points of the city, have ensured there is no better time to invest. Some impressive deals have been snapped up for both investment and occupation, leaving only 35 apartments still on the market. A display unit, which demonstrates the expansive views of Moreton Island and the Pacific Ocean on offer, is open for inspection.

Two-bedroom apartments start from $385,000 and three-bedroom apartments are from $440,000. Outlook’s spacious open-plan design offers a new level of livability while large balconies capture the view and breezes. The complex also has a heated swimming pool with spa and an adjacent undercover outdoor kitchen for group entertaining. The display unit is open Friday to Monday, 10am to 2pm at Outlook Caloundra, 7 Canberra Terrace. Further information is available from Yvonne Adams, call 0437 577 717 or 5492 6455.

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Buderim release

Rural development Mt Ninderry blocks

Escape saves the best ’til last.

Green change awaits at Aurora.

Nineteen allotments at Golden Valley.

he third and final stage of the successful Buderim Escape is being released. The final release has seven, flat-to-gently sloping allotments available. They are divided into two clusters, separated by a stand of 3.3 acres of permanent bushland, creating a private, picturesque setting that is home to bird life. The allotments range from 1740 to a 2400 square metres, giving privacy and space without the maintenance required for large acreages. Buderim Escape is seven minutes from Buderim Village, Maroochydore, shops and beaches, and only three minutes from the proposed new golf course. Prices range from $300,000 to $350,000. To find out more phone Tony Van Dijk at Leading Edge Real Estate on 0412 793 978.

urora is a boutique acreage development that offers an excellent position and superior elevation, with views of the coast, hinterland and Mt Ninderry. Made up of 20 individual rural-residential blocks of approximately 1.5 acres, each allotment has been designed for maximum space and visibility. There is also a larger allotment of more than 8.5 acres that offers views. Aurora is a comfortable 10-minute drive to Coolum Beach. This development is fully approved by council, with construction to commence early March. Allotments can be secured now, with settlement on issue of title, which is expected in late August or early September. Prices start at $340,000. Phone Eric Annett of Leading Edge Real Estate on 0412 728 808 for more information.

olden Valley is a new acreage estate in the popular Valdora area, just 12 minutes from Coolum Beach. There are 19 allotments, each offering level green acreage. Blocks range from 1.5 acres of gentle paddock to just under five acres of natural timbered privacy. There is full kerb and channelling, street lighting, and underground power and phone. Roadworks are underway, with landscaping to be completed by the end of January. Golden Valley has Coolum Beach to the east, the Bruce Highway to the west, Maroochydore and the airport to the south, and Noosa to the north. Blocks can be selected now with settlement due around the end of February 2009. Prices start at $350,000. For further details contact Eric Annett at Leading Edge Real Estate in Nambour, phone 0412 728 808.

Brand new beachside living Beach on Sixth offers residents uninterrupted ocean views and a quality of life that is second to none. otton Tree has again worked its seaside charm on the property market with the latest apartment release, Beach on Sixth, achieving sales of more than 50 per cent within days of launch. The site, on the corner of Sixth Avenue and Kingsford Smith Parade, ensures virtually all 33 apartments in the 12-storey building enjoy sweeping vistas from Coolum to Point Cartwright and a desirable northerly or northeasterly aspect. “Beach on Sixth is a boutique residential address offering a rare and desirable combination of uninterrupted water views and luxury lifestyle appointments just 70 paces from the beach,” marketing agent John Skerlak of Ken Guy Maroochydore says. “There has been virtually no new product of this calibre on the local market for a couple of years and the Beach project has really pushed the buttons for buyers from all over South East Queensland, and to New Zealand.” The project is the culmination of a 20-year journey of passion for Brisbane developer Doug Stay of Stay Developments Group, who purchased the site in the mid-1980s, and has been fine-tuning the design since. He has committed to working as project manager through the entire building phase. Multi-award winning architects Blackburne Jackson Design have come up with a refreshing interpretation of

contemporary beachside living for the new development. Doug has deliberately over-engineered the building, and has not skimped on quality finishes to deliver something special to the market – a point that has not been missed by buyers to date. Indoor and outdoor living spaces combine generous balconies, 2.7-metre-high ceilings and premium finishes, including imported floor coverings and Miele appliances.

Beach on Sixth has two lifts, a pool, gym and an on-site restaurant and retail space, while dual car parking and additional storage space is standard for most apartments. For further information, call Ken Guy Maroochydore agents John Skerlak on 0413 441 834, Chris Pace on 0417 196 600, Rebecca Smeeton on 0404 866 358 or Bree Charles on 0416 435 391.

36 My Property Review – Snapshot Edition | Dec 08/Jan 09

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Live with nature at Pikki Forest

Riverside living

An environmentally-friendly acreage estate is now open on Mt Ninderry.

Ten lots on Maroochy River.

or those seeking an environmentally-friendly, well-presented, boutique acreage estate lifestyle, Pikki Forest is a must-see. This new 10-lot rural-residential subdivision showcases the best that nature has to offer, from cool green rainforest to wide open spaces and everything in between. Large slices of native vegetation have been protected under a covenant that also maintains natural wildlife corridors to enable the safe movement of native animals. Seasonal creek lines have been protected, along with lily ponds and existing dams that attract an abundance of bird life. Each acreage allotment has been designed to allow for maximum rural residential use with minimum impact. Home sites are large and open, and most offer substantial views of the green hinterland. Allotments range from just over one acre to just under five acres. Pikki Forest is fully kerb and channelled, with underground power and phone, all in a peaceful cul-de-sac position in sought-after Ninderry. Good schools, shops, and transport are only minutes away and Nambour and Coolum Beach are both an easy drive. Allotments are available now. Priced from $265,000, they are selling quickly. For further information phone Leading Edge Real Estateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eric Annett on 0412 728 808.

iverside is a 10-lot, rural subdivision nestled on the banks of the north arm of the Maroochy River, with Mt Ninderry forming a backdrop. Conveniently located within minutes of Yandina and the Bruce Highway, it has access to local shops and schools, and is less than 10 minutes to Nambour and 15 minutes to Coolum Beach. Ranging from just over an acre through to a 15-acre open paddock, Riverside offers a selection of dry blocks as well as allotments with full riverfront exposure. With a rural zoning and central location, several blocks would be ideal for a small home business. Prices start at $345,000 for a dry block and $425,000 for river frontage allotments. For further information, phone Tony Van Dijk at Leading Edge Real Estate on 5441 4899 or 0412 793 978.

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Kingsmill unveiled at Peregian Stage one of Kingsmill at Peregian Springs is set to open up the market with home and land packages from $500,000. eading residential developer, GEO Property Group, has taken the wraps off its eagerly awaited Kingsmill development at Peregian Springs on the Sunshine Coast. The first stage of the project, marketed under the Group’s Villa World Homes brand, has been released and includes 15 home and land packages on blocks ranging from approximately 510 to 800 square metres and starting at less than $500,000. When completed, the development will include 37 homes. GEO’s general manager of marketing and product development Dean McMahon says Kingsmill will cater to those seeking to make the master-planned community home because of its attractive layout and location, just 10 minutes from Noosa. “With its easy access to parklands, the hinterland and the cosmopolitan pleasures of Noosa, Kingsmill represents the best of

all worlds,” he says. “This is a great opportunity to live in one of Queensland’s best locations at an affordable price.” The master-planned Peregian Springs residential development, which has shopping, recreational facilities and a private members 18-hole golf course, is adjacent to Noosa National Park and is surrounded by more than 88 hectares of parkland and recreational space. Homes at Kingsmill will have rendered facades with landscaped gardens and will include designer kitchens with stone benchtops as well as ceiling fans. A variety of floorplans including three to four bedrooms are available. Kingsmill is part of a major drive into the Sunshine Coast by GEO Property Group after its absence from the region for almost a decade. For more information on Kingsmill, call Brad McMahon on 0415 774 523.

Landsborough Gateway Estate to A We ppr stpa ove c F d P inan urc ce has es ^

The living is easy at peaceful Tin Can Bay Sunset Bay Estate offers affordable living for families

Light Industrial Blocks Steve Irwin Way, Landsborough Situated on the growth corridor between Caloundra and Beerwah, land of this position and quality rarely becomes available.

Landsborough Gateway Estate

OPEN SPACE 6845m2

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Be a part of the booming industrial market on the Coast. Call Warren Kelly on 0412 092 758

4050m2

^Terms and conditions apply.

4370m2

4050m2

1090m2

Lots for Sale Stage 2

1180m2

VE YA WA

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High traffic exposure, major roads Level land, DA Approved Blocks 8kms to M1 (Bruce Highway) Less than one hour to Brisbane Minutes to Beerwah and Australia Zoo 15mins to Caloundra and Mooloolaba Walk to Landsborough train station Size range 1090sqm to 4370sqm Priced from $295 to $375 per sqm Growing region and infrastructure

estled in the waterfront township of Tin Can Bay, Sunset Bay Estate offers home sites from a low $137,500. This new boutique estate is within walking distance of the waterfront and is bordered by state forest. Surrounded by a growing community, level quality home sites range from 615 to 875 square metres. Property Lynx also has tempting house and land packages available at Sunset Bay Estate from only $325,000, a top opportunity given the increased level of interest in the Fraser Coast. Tin Can Bay is on the doorstep of Cooloola National Park, the Great Sandy Straits and the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, but has always remained a quiet fishing community. “It has become more appealing for busy couples and families to find a home that is the complete opposite to their usual schedule,” Property Lynx consultant Warren Kelly says. “Tin Can Bay has all the modern

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facilities including cafes and a multimillion-dollar marina. The waterfront play equipment is fantastic and there’s free dolphin feeding.” A patrolled surf beach is just a short drive away at Rainbow Beach. As a unique community within the beautiful Fraser Coast, the region is enjoying positive growth, further benefiting smart investors with low interest rates, and first home buyers, who can save $21,000 using the government grant, and climb the property ladder too. Town amenities include restaurants, a school, library, bowls club and an 18-hole golf course with clubhouse. There are only 29 home sites available over three stages. Each site has access to town water and sewage facilities. The local National Australia Bank is offering on the spot finance approval to eligible customers. For more information contact Warren Kelly on 0412 092 758.

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On the edge There are big expectations in place for the Edgewater Apartments project at Lake Kawana. rom landscape architecture to community development and now project management, the past decade has seen an exciting transformation for Andrew O’Connor. The Kawana-based development manager has built a successful career on the Sunshine Coast and has become synonymous with the development of premier residential apartment living at Lake Kawana. In 2008, Mr O’Connor put the finishing touches to his first Lake Kawana project – Regatta Apartments. In addition to his role as a key member of the development group overseeing the completion of the successful Regatta project, Mr O’Connor has also spent the year finalising the recently launched Edgewater Apartments Lake Kawana. Situated on the edge of the sprawling 2.5km lake, Edgewater has already been

well received by the property market due to its outstanding location. With a prime waterfront setting and a key strategic location in the heart of the emerging Kawana Town Centre, Mr O’Connor said the development will set the benchmark for future developments. Due to be completed in 2010, Edgewater Apartments will encompass 139 one-, two- and three-bedroom units, three swimming pools and a restaurant, with a construction value of over $80 million. “Edgewater Apartments is a very exciting project to be involved with,’’ Mr O’Connor said. “When I was given the opportunity to work in collaboration with Brisbane-based company Advance Traders Property Development (ATPD), I couldn’t pass it up. “We are pleased with the market response we have so far received for Edgewater, but we are not surprised,

Ideal settlement

considering its location,” he said. Edgewater is close to Stockland Park, the future Kawana Town Centre and the new $2 billion regional hospital precincts as well as being within walking distance of the planned bus and rail transit stations. The next year will be a busy one for Mr O’Connor as he oversees not only the development of Edgewater, but looks towards future projects.

Joined by ATPD, Mr O’Connor will be seeking new development sites and begin preliminary planning and design for a new waterfront living concept on Kawana Island. “It will be a truly exciting project to be involved with,’’ he said. Two- and three-bedroom apartments at Edgewater Apartments start from $449,000. Phone 1800 177 558 for more.

JACARANDA 275 Ideally Located Opposite Landscaped Park - Peregian Springs

Coe’s Creek hinterland blocks are selling fast

DISPLAY HOME 160 The Avenue, Peregian Springs, QLD

ecognition of the value of hinterland property has led to pre-title sales being better than expected since the launch of Nambour’s Coes Settlement in August 2008. The estate, which has 49 level blocks, is adjacent to the new shopping complex on Coes Creek Road and backs on to Petrie Creek. Day and Grimes Real Estate marketing manager Gary Langford said pre-title sales, which include first and second home buyers, have been strong, with a substantial proportion of blocks being sold to one builder.

Conveniently located close to schools, the TAFE college and Nambour CBD, Coes Settlement is being hailed as one of the finest and best located residential estates in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. “Coes Creek has been identified as one of the most progressive and soughtafter areas on the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Langford said. “The north-facing blocks and surrounding parkland, along with affordable prices, are making Coes Settlement a very attractive option for both buyers and builders.” For more information, contact Gary Langford on 0412 348 533.

The Plan is based on traditional fasçade. Speak with your Auzland Home builder regarding other variations. Note that with all Auzland Homes Plans, written dimensions take precedence over scale.

Total Price just $689,000.00 includes an 18 Month Rental Guarantee of $665.00/Week + a further two 6 Month options ! s Colourbond Roof – Fully Insulated s 2710mm (9ft) Ceiling Heights throughout s CaesarStone Kitchen & Vanity Tops s Tinted Windows & Doors - Fully Screened s Carpets @ $40/m2 to all Bedrooms s Tiles to remainder of home @ $35/m2 Includes’s Front Porch, Patio & Alfresco areas s Visual Intercom & Security System s Internal Ducted Vacuum system s Ducted Air Conditioning throughout s Exposed Aggregate Driveway & Paths s Fully Fenced, Turfed & Landscaped s 5000 Ltre Watertank, Pump & Connections Ph: 07 5448 1600 Fax: 07 5492 1733 Email: rlthompson@auzland.com Please refer to our website for further information and available designs www.auzlandhomes.com

Note: All drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should be used as a guide. Information is subject to change without notiﬁcation.

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15/12/2008 12:35:26 PM

Quality, Brand New 2 Bedroom Homes from $295,000!

snapshot retirement

Age gracefully Dorothy Drane assesses retiring on the Sunshine Coast he Sunshine Coast has all the characteristics of a permanent holiday, which could account for so many over 60s choosing to home in and set up house for their retirement. As well as the obvious natural attractions – lazy afternoons fishing, long walks on the beach, picnics in the hinterland – there are bowls, golf and other recreational facilities such as clubs for dining and entertainment. There is also a variety of purpose-built accommodation available – retirement villages, freehold homes and unit complexes where age is a prerequisite for residence, mobile home parks and facilities with multiple care levels to cater for a range of budgets, tastes and independence levels. Private hospitals, nursing homes and broad-based community care services also meet the demands of the sector which is set to grow as subsequent waves of baby boomers turn 60 and opt for a coast lifestyle. For the retiree, convenience, safety, security and lifestyle are the big items on shopping list. When it takes two attempts to get up from the lounge, and it’s the doctors and not the police who suggest slowing down, then it’s time to give some serious thought to future housing. Decisions to move into retirement accommodation are driven by: • Convenience – no lawns to mow and no gutters to fix; • Safety – a community of like age and interests who look out for each other make the best Neighbourhood Watch; • Security in terms of both policing and health; • Lifestyle – common interest groups but still giving a choice to be as social or as private as you please. The average retiree’s tastes are also becoming more discriminating as the post-Depression babies seek something as good as, if not better than, the home they are leaving. Tiny brick retirement units that satisfied the generation born before the Depression are no longer good enough. Today’s retirees are cashed up and looking for lifestyle. As a popular and recognised retirement destination for more than three decades, the services and options available on the Sunshine Coast have been refined with time so that today’s retirees can look forward to having fine-tuned opportunities

laid out before them. For sheer laziness and determination to really kick back without responsibility, there is the mobile home park. Take a small cabin and make it your own. It will be small and holiday-like. There are retirement villages, where retirees can enjoy all the comforts of home but none of the stresses. Homes here are generally bigger and more like a family home. They usually come with a choice of two or three bedrooms, to cater for the holiday needs of the grandchildren and are well located so that as well as on-site facilities, the shops and beaches or parks are within walking distance. Both options make it easy for grey nomads to pack up and head off on a trip, but then when you live in paradise, it’s hard to know where to go from here. For those approaching a higher level of care, there are villages with attached hostels and nursing homes so that when the time comes, it is not necessary to move too far and help is readily at hand. It is also an advantage when one partner needs a higher level of care and the other wants to stay in an independent living unit. They can remain within walking distance but still have all their health needs met. Many retirement facilities also provide the security of 24/7 on call services so if there is a health emergency, help is immediately to hand. Retirement villages also bring together people with like interests in an atmosphere that is a little more subdued. There is no danger of wild, all-night parties occurring in the unit next door, but there is often someone around for a chat or a game of cards or bowls or a swim. And these activities are also usually offered on-site. With location, facilities, a multitude of accommodation options, and ready availability of care on the Coast, growing old becomes a pleasure. The hardest thing will be fitting it all into one lifetime.

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Retire in style

Quaint style

Edenlea villas have everything you need for vibrant community living.

ooloolah Gardens is retirement in paradise. The spacious over-60s village is set among hundreds of native trees planted on the superbly landscaped river parklands so that the outlook is calm, peaceful and brimming with wildlife and birds. The villas promote a relaxed feeling of indoor/outdoor living and are available in two- or three-bedrooms all with ensuite, air-conditioning, fans, and quality fittings. All have a lock-up garage (some double), are security screened and are fully insulated – there’s nothing more to do except move in. Mooloolah township and train station are less than a five-minute stroll away down a treed pathway. “For such a small town, Mooloolah has a lot of amenities,” on-site manager, Michelle King said. “We have an award winning IGA, newsagent, post office, doctor, chemist, gift shops, hardware and coffee shops, as well as the Mooloolah Country Club where people can play bowls or tennis. They even have a courtesy bus service available.” The electric tilt train takes just over an hour to Brisbane and the beaches of Caloundra are only 20 minutes away. Mooloolah Gardens has a community hall, a pool and a gazebo and barbecue area. For more information phone 5492 9041 or 0408 847 976.

denlea is a quality-built development in a superb garden setting that offers residents a wide choice of luxury homes within walking distance of the heart of Buderim. The two- and three-bedroom villas are designed with comfort, privacy and life quality paramount. Homes are spacious with quality fittings and finishes. The largest three-bedroom homes provide up to 238sqm or 25 squares of living space, patios, and double garages. There is a great sense of individuality achieved by dozens of different villa designs. A modern community centre, landscaped gardens, large free-form pool, heated spa and barbecues create a resortstyle atmosphere, and there’s also a reception, lounge, library, billiard room and hairdresser’s salon. Residents can be as social as they choose and, as members of a vibrant community, can choose from a wide range of social activities such as shopping, fishing, sporting and theatre trips, group travel and local excursions, together with swimming, social and group activities in and around the community centre. Lawn bowls, croquet and golf clubs are nearby.

Living in small-town paradise

Full-time management and staff coordinate a carefully structured range of useful support and maintenance services, each adding security and convenience to life. An emergency call system operates 24 hours a day. Edenlea offers a village bus for local shopping and to the Sunshine Plaza at Maroochydre. Brisbane, Noosa and the Coast’s famous beaches, tourist drives, boating, sporting, recreational facilities and modern shopping centres are all within easy reach.

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Pebble Beach stage launch

Noosaville in style Laguna Retirement Estate is a showcase of renovating for success. aguna Retirement Estate is centrally located on Lake Weyba Drive, Noosaville, within easy walking distance of the river, shops and restaurants. It offers the benefits of retirement living such as community facilities, meals and social events, a bowling green, swimming pools and a bus. Being an established estate, when a villa is vacated it undergoes extensive renovations to create the Atrium Series, dwellings that are modern, bright and airy, opening out onto the estate’s garden areas. “The Atrium Series villas at Laguna are designed to provide the ultimate lifestyle for the over 55s,” local architect Michael Williams says. “Spacious living areas in the villa feature abundant natural light and breezes and flow easily out to a private roofed courtyard patio surrounded by lush landscaping. The villas are designed for those who feel it’s time they had the best.” Ausmar director Tony Bryan says the project had run smoothly and was a showcase of what could be done to create a new environment in an existing retirement village. Ausmar Homes has recently been awarded the contract for the next stage of renovations that will be completed soon.

Over 50s flock to popular community. ward-winning retirement community developer Parker Property Group has launched stage four of the popular Pebble Beach Retirement Community. Interest in the freehold retirement properties is strong, as many are drawn by the attraction of no exit fees. Located at Sandstone Point, just half an hour to Brisbane, Pebble Beach Retirement Community is in one of the fastest growing retirement destinations in the country, close to transport links, clubs and services and natural beauty and recreational spots. Its ownership structure allows active over 50s to retain all the rights of freehold home owners, while benefiting from the security and community of a retirement village. Sales manager Dianne Casley-Smith says the retirement community was an increasingly sought-after option for over 50s, who can feel disenchanted with the high fees associated with traditional models and the capital gains which are forfeited in exit fees should they decide to sell. For more information, contact Pebble Beach on 1800 608 377 or visit www.pebblebeach.com.au.

Homes in the new architecturally designed Atrium series start at just $490,000. Laguna Estate also has other two- and three-bedroom renovated villas from $289,000 and serviced apartments from $121,000. It represents top value in the heart of Noosa and the only catch is that you have to be over 55 to buy. For more information phone 5447 1566 or visit the www.lagunaestate.com.au.

Experience The Perfect Lifestyle. • A choice of spacious 2 and 3 bedroom villas and serviced apartments • Three community halls and swimming pools • Bowling green • Estate bus available for shopping • Handyman service and assistance with gardening • 24 hour emergency call system • Many organised social events and outings

Over 60’s retirement living with a difference. s Fresh modern villas in a complex of 29 s 2-3 bedroom. Single and double garages s Beautiful tranquil rural setting s Pool & Recreation Centre s Short stroll to town centre & train

MOOLOOLAH GARDENS RETIREMENT VILLAGE King Road, Mooloolah

For all inspections phone Michelle King on 5492 9041 or 0408 847 976

HI 20 W A AW08 IN A NE R RS D !

• Active friendly social community • Bowls - Outdoor and Indoor, Yoga, Choir, Games, Table Tennis • Meals available in dining room twice a day • Easy walking distance to the new Aldi Supermarket , Medical Centre and Restaurant’s • Close to Noosaville Shopping Centre, Library and Noosa River

Living at Laguna Retirement Estate will provide you with a comfortable and secure lifestyle.

Villas from $289,000 and serviced apartments from $110,000.

Laguna Estate - Prestige Living For more information or to make an inspection visit Mon to Sat 10am - 4pm or phone our Sales and Marketing Manager Martin Brims on 5447 1566 or 0407 178 747

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